Paige LaForge: StreetSquash

Squash has always been a big part of my life. It pushes me outside my comfort zone, frustrates me, brings me happiness like none other, and is a source of community for me.

I first visited StreetSquash in 2018 and was hooked by the enthusiasm, competitiveness, and fun that radiated through this squash community. StreetSquash is an organization in Harlem that expands access to squash instruction, tutoring, and college guidance for students in the local neighborhood. After feeling the buzz that filled the courts, I knew I wanted to get involved. Since then, I've volunteered as a squash instructor, fellow player, and two time team captain for the StreetSquash Jr. Cup – raising over $11,000 to support coaching and mentorship programs that StreetSquash provides.

I'm humbled knowing I'm a role model to younger kids starting their squash journey and I'm inspired seeing their love of the sport grow like mine did. As a fundraising captain, I built relationships with StreetSquash leaders who placed confidence in me as an ambassador of the organization. Through this role, I recruited players from my school's team and introduced them to StreetSquash, using our shared passion for squash to expand StreetSquash's network. We collectively joined something greater than just school matches – coming together, building a bridge to our local community, and having a lot of fun while doing it. 

Volunteering at StreetSquash reaffirmed my love of squash and allowed me to channel that love in an entirely new way to build community.